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Every start-up business goes through phases of needing to try something different toincrease their exposure and bring in new clients. Even established businesses need torevisit their marketing strategies every once in a while to help bring in new and repeatbusiness. During a recent business chat at Staffcentrix.com, in which I was honoured to be theMentor of The Month and chat moderator, several Virtual Assistants (VAs) with varyingexperience in the small business sector, shared their ideas and know-how. The consensus among the chat participants is that certain marketing techniques willwork for some small business owners but may not be as successful for others. It wasalso agreed that the cheaper the method, the better. Myself and all the other VAs found this chat very informative and beneficial. So, withthe hope of passing on the great ideas that were bounced around, to up and comingVAs or any small business owner, I have put together a list of the marketing strategiesthat VAs have found successful, during their start-up phase and beyond. 1. A company website. This is probably one of the best and most cost effectiveforms of having your company visible to your potential clients....and its available 24/7!If you have the time and patience to learn to put something together, give it a try! Or,consider hiring a professional designer in order to get an exceptional site. The benefitsof having a website are definitely worth the expense. But remember to shop aroundand be comfortable with your designer... and the money you pay. 2. Signs in or on your vehicle. Window decals are fairly inexpensive consideringtheir lifespan. Remember to include your website address. If funds are really short,make signs on Bristol board and put them inside the windows. You can also getLicence decals. These can include your website address, company name, andphone number and fit nicely around your licence plate. 3. Join your local business associations. And don’t forget to get involved! Your localBoard of Trade or Chamber of Commerce can provide an abundance of opportunitiesfor your business. The networking events are a way to meet other businessprofessionals in your community. And, getting involved in the committees allows youto share your expertise and be recognized by your fellow members. 4. Pinup Flyers. Include a tear-off section on the bottom and put the flyers up at yourlocal stores and other locations that may have bulletin boards. 5. Fax Broadcast. Design an informational or fun page, similar to a newsletter, andsend it out to fax numbers for your target market. Please note that fax broadcasting isnot allowed in some areas of some countries, so be sure it is okay in your area. 6. Keep in touch marketing, such as a personalized thank you to a new client orcontact, a Christmas card that simply says thank you, and a monthly newsletter (printand/or online) to all your customers and contacts. 7. Iron on transfers. As a small business owner you already eat and sleep yourbusiness, so why not wear it too. You can purchase the transfers at your localbusiness supply store and, I imagine, at craft stores. Then it’s just a matter printingyour logo (or whatever you want on the shirt) onto a transfer and ironing it on. 8. Articles & Press Releases. Writing articles is a good way to receive exposure andit also helps you to be regarded as an expert in your field. Press releases can be usedto announce a new business, when you provide a new service, or any other time youhave some news to tell. There are 2 keys to a press release... the Headline andmaking sure it doesn’t sound like an advertisement, but more like it is news. 9. Networking. This is another highly beneficial and cost efficient way to get the wordout about your business. Attend designated networking events as often as possible.Also, when possible, follow the Three Foot Rule... if appropriate, strike up aconversation with anyone within 3 feet of yourself and be sure to bring up yourbusiness. 10. Testimonials. These can be implemented into many pieces of marketing. Includea sentence or two in your advertisements, brochures, newsletters, and you can evendedicate a whole page on your website to the kudos your receive from satisfiedclients. No matter which marketing efforts you use, keep track of where your inquiries and newclients are coming from. Don’t be afraid to ask them how they heard about you and/oryour business. Asking only takes a couple of seconds and the results will show youwhich strategy is working for you the best. Put your imagination to work... instead of your wallet and watch the business roll in.